Onward to Next Things

Last night's BlogFest was incredibly fun. After photos were taken (see them at BlogFest.com), and visitors and friends were greeted and seated, the festivities began (Odette doesn't know, at this moment, that her picture is on www.). Alan's presentation of each Blogger was professional and speedy. That lent a solid base for each Blogger's presentation. Borders was so accommodating. The initial set-up for the evening would not have been comfortable for those who might have happened upon the event and wished to sit and enjoy the readings; the configuration of seating was changed so that many more could be seated facing the "stage." My thanks to Borders for their quick response to that need. Every Blogger had an exciting piece to read, of course. I would like to think that mine was the best, but I know that not to be necessarily true. All of them were entertaining. Of course, the star, Paul Krassner, kept us riveted by his jokes, stories, and readings. What a life this fellow has had. His "Mormon" joke is unforgettable. Reminds me of another author (gone now), Mickey Spillane, who once explained at the PS Film Noir festival, a bet he made with an editor. They were having a drink or two and were talking about mystery writers. The editior was touting one writer's ability at being so inventive because of the brevity of words and sentences to get the story told. Mickey Spillane, bravely ventured that he could write a mystery with a beginning, a middle, and an end (necessary to all good storytelling) in three words. The editor bet him a thousand dollars he couldn't do it; they had more drinks, and Spillane went home. In a few months, Spillane submitted his short story that consisted of three words: "Harold did it." Now, perhaps I've changed the antagonist's name, but that's the tale that Spillane recited to us that night. I wonder how he spent the easily made thousand dollars. Okay, back to the BlogFest -- I'm honored to have been a part of this event with Paul Krassner. I knew many of the other readers because of their affiliation with the Palm Springs Writers Guild. But, I did not realize of the depth of their talent. Kristin, John, Leslie, Fran (have I forgotten anybody?), and Paul: I admire your stuff. Fran brought a copy of her recent book I'd asked her about, The Prettier Sister, and she autographed it for me. I'm looking forward to reading it. She held it high before her reading, responding to an unspoken question each of us probably had: "Are you the 'prettier' sister?" Read her book to find out. I was at the BlogFest; perhaps you readers of this blog weren't. And, I finally got to meet Leslie. What a delight, and what a sense of comedy. How many of us who live in the desert didn't relate to her blog reading? Can't wait to get her book, too. It must be revealing. And, yes, Leslie, we would buy your book. Why not? If it's anything like what she read, it'll keep us in stitches. Paul's lead-in with a favorite joke, and personal stories about his life, set the tone for his reading. If you haven't heard this man, you're missing out on some great satirical observations about many subjects. Is it that he keeps nothing sacred? I particularly enjoyed his explanation of the truth behind Lenny Bruce's ostracization. But, then, Paul was on the cusp of many injustices brought to the fore that changed social conscience. As a matter of fact, Paul still resides and thinks on that same cusp, I believe. He is a funny and insightful writer who is unafraid of the truth. A question I might ask him today is: "Who were the two young men who seated themselves up front and truly enjoyed his remarks?" When I write "young men," understand that I'm describing two fifteen- or sixteen-year-olds. I wonder, now, how such an evening could be topped by another such event. Alan is a bright fellow with marvelous ideas. He explained his 9timezones blog name to me. I know he has a success story at every turn. I wish him good luck; it's sure to continue his way. It made me happy that Odette attended this event. I was wondering if she would enjoy it. I also extend a thank you to Gail and Bill, and Lee for coming to hear my reading, and staying for the entire program. I also noted that Marci and Jack, Harold, Dawn, and Phyllis responded to my reminder and came to enjoy their PSWG counterparts. Enjoyed meeting Randy; hope you come by the meeting today, though I know the events in the Valley make it difficult to select what to do this day. What a busy place! Joan, thank you for your phone call inquiring how it went. Marilyn, thank you, too, for taking a moment from your busy morning to ask about it. And, to all of you who responded to my e-mail alert about this event -- thank you for your good thoughts and wishes for a successful evening. It definitely was!